Understanding Vault Keys
In Sonic Frontiers, Vault Keys are a crucial resource needed to unlock the Chaos Emeralds, which are essential for Sonic to transform into his Super Sonic form and confront the game’s formidable enemies. These keys do not transfer between islands; each new area you visit will require you to gather a fresh set of Vault Keys to free its respective Chaos Emeralds. Acquiring these keys is central to progression, making it important to understand all available methods for obtaining them.
Earning Keys in Cyberspace Levels
The primary method for obtaining Vault Keys is by completing Cyberspace Levels. These levels offer a departure from the open-world exploration, providing classic high-speed platforming challenges reminiscent of older Sonic games, such as Green Hill Zone or Chemical Plant Zone.
To access a Cyberspace Level, you must locate a Portal, which appears on your in-game map as a large black icon resembling a throne with red markings. You will need Portal Tokens to activate these Portals; these tokens are acquired by defeating minibosses or groups of enemies in the open world. The cost of activating Portals increases as you progress through the game.
Each Cyberspace Level offers multiple opportunities to earn Vault Keys:
- Completion: Simply finishing a Cyberspace Level will grant you one Vault Key.
- S Rank Time: Achieve the S Rank time requirement for the level to earn an additional Vault Key.
- Red Rings: Collect all five Red Rings scattered throughout the level for another key. These rings are often hidden in challenging locations, requiring exploration and precise platforming.
- Ring Count: Finish the level with a specific number of rings to earn a fourth Vault Key.
A skilled player can potentially earn four Vault Keys from a single Cyberspace Level by meeting all these objectives. There is no penalty for replaying levels, so you can attempt them multiple times to achieve all goals and maximize your key collection. Many Red Rings require careful exploration or even backtracking, and dedicated walkthroughs for each Cyberspace stage can help you locate them all. Mastering the Boost ability for speed and the Homing Attack for chaining movements are key strategies for success in these levels.
Alternative Methods for Acquiring Vault Keys
While Cyberspace Levels are the main source, there are other ways to obtain Vault Keys across the Starfall Islands:
- Digging at Sign Posts: As you traverse the islands, you may encounter glowing blue signposts embedded in the ground. By using the Cyloop ability (forming a ring around the spot), you can unearth various items, which may include a Vault Key.
- Buying from Big the Cat: Engaging in Big the Cat’s fishing mini-game allows you to earn points. These points can then be redeemed for various items, including Vault Keys. Each key costs 15 points. This is often considered the fastest way to acquire keys, especially after Starfall Events boost your Purple Coin supply, which can be used in the fishing mini-game.
- Enemy Drops: After defeating enemies encountered in the open world, there is a chance they may drop a Vault Key. While this method is less reliable than others, it can contribute to your collection over time.
Combining these methods, particularly mastering Cyberspace Level challenges and utilizing Big the Cat’s shop, will ensure you have a steady supply of Vault Keys to unlock all the Chaos Emeralds needed to progress through Sonic Frontiers.
FAQ
What are Vault Keys used for in Sonic Frontiers? Vault Keys are used to unlock the Chaos Emeralds, which are necessary for Sonic to transform into his Super Sonic form.
Do Vault Keys carry over between islands? No, Vault Keys do not carry over. You will need to collect new keys on each island to free the Chaos Emeralds in that specific area.
How many Vault Keys can I get from one Cyberspace Level? You can earn up to four Vault Keys from a single Cyberspace Level by completing it, achieving the S Rank time, collecting all five Red Rings, and finishing with a certain number of rings.
What is the fastest way to get Vault Keys? Buying Vault Keys from Big the Cat after participating in his fishing mini-game is generally considered the fastest method, especially when you have a boosted supply of Purple Coins from Starfall Events.
How do I activate Cyberspace Levels? You activate Cyberspace Levels by finding Portals (marked on the map as throne-like icons) and using Portal Tokens. Portal Tokens are obtained by defeating minibosses or swarms of enemies in the open world.